The Campbelltown Blues women's team is looking to rebuild quickly ahead of this year's Aussie Rules season. The side lost more than 10 players during a tough off-season - but the Blues remain upbeat about their 2019 prospects. Some members departed to seek higher opportunities elsewhere, while others returned to play sports like netball. There has been a changing of the guard with club legend Brian Kershaw taking over as head coach. Kershaw holds the Blues' men's club record for most games (more than 500) and most goals (more than 400). The Sydney AFL season begins in early April and Kershaw encouraged more Macarthur women to join his team. "Some of our girls had never played the game before," he said. "We welcome you to come along and we will teach you everything you need to know. "There is some real talent in this team as we try to rebuild." The Campbelltown club was formed in 1982 and a women's team was launched four years ago. The Blues women started their inaugural season with a solid win before losing the remainder of games in 2016. Campbelltown won seven matches the following year and showed improvement again last year, finishing just outside the finals. Kershaw hoped his side could secure its first finals berth in 2019. "I put my hand up to coach because I thought they needed to be taken to the next level, and I can do that," he said. "But it will no doubt be a challenge." April Merlino was an inaugural team member and is entering her fourth season at the club. Merlino came from a soccer background but was encouraged by a friend to join the Blues. She said the rise of the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition could help attract more players to get on board this year. "AFWL has helped get more women interested, particularly from younger girls," the ruck-rover said. "It's good fitness and doesn't matter what your best skills are. "The game caters for everyone." The Campbelltown Blues women's team trains every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm at Monarch Oval, Macquarie Fields. Details: Campbelltown AFL Club Facebook page.